Why a non-Canadian music act?

One of the highlights, depending on your point of view, of the Grey Cup is having a Canadian artist perform at halftime. Just so you know, the CFL went in a different direction, going with the non-Canadian Black Eyed Peas.

I didn't think much of it on Sunday because a) I didn't know the Black Eyed Peas weren't Canadian, and b) The sound was low, and most of what I took away was suggestive bumping and grinding.

I watched the rebroadcast (which didn't air until today), and I have to admit I was surprised. I have been watching the Grey Cup the last few years, and can't remember anything like it before.

It was a bit of a cultural shock as a contrast from the previous years of having Shania Twain, Bryan Adams, Sam Roberts, and the Tragically Hip.

I know it's very important from a culture standpoint for the media to promote Canadian artists. The CRTC (regulating commission) requires a certain percentage of music on radio stations to be "Canadian," for example.

However, the Black Eyed Peas do appeal to a younger demographic. Maybe this is a push by the CFL to mix it up. After all, the grand marshal of the parade was Vancouver native Pamela Anderson of "Baywatch" fame.

But perhaps the CFL should take a page from its Southern neighbors, and not go too far in a halftime show in a football championship game.

Brent Scrimshaw, the CFL's senior vice-president of marketing and partnerships, said to the press that the CFL will continue to rely primarily on Canadian content for future games. However, Scrimshaw noted that the Black Eyed Peas are quite popular in Canada.